Virtual discussion: Investing in Oxygen

The 42nd President of the United States, Bill Clinton, hosted a virtual discussion with Dr. John Nkengasong, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and Ms. Joy Phumaphi on the need to increase equitable access to lifesaving oxygen globally.

The panel was put together by Murdoch Children's Research Institute and our international partner, the Clinton Health Access Initiative, ahead of a final submission to the MacArthur Foundation's 100&Change competition.

Hundreds of thousands of people die each year in low- and middle-income countries due to unreliable access to oxygen in health facilities. Most of these deaths can be prevented. COVID-19 has exacerbated these issues as oxygen demand increases throughout the world, leaving low-income countries even further behind.

Our panellists discussed the importance of this essential medicine in saving lives, current gaps in access, and how the pandemic is further impacting oxygen access in low- and- middle income countries. They also discussed steps that can be taken to ensure that oxygen is sustainably available not only during the pandemic, but long into the future.

We hope you take away some of the hope and inspiration we feel as part of this project!